This book tells the story of the U.S. Army's role in exploring the trans-Mississippi West, particularly the role of the Topographical Engineers. An interdisciplinary book, it addresses the military's role in the founding of archaeology and ethnology in this country and includes art and photography as part of the story.

Folded maps included in envelope at back of the book.

A new kind of explorer -- Into the mountain man's West -- John C. Fremont -- The Mexican War reconnaissance -- The boundary survey -- Exploring the new domain, 1848-1853 -- The Pacific Railroad surveys -- The Savants and the surveys -- The wagon road program -- War and Western exploration -- The Sioux country -- Epilogue.